More Efficient LEDs

Nitride alloys expand the applications of energy-saving LEDs.

In a light-emitting diode (LED), electrons (negative) and holes (positive) recombine to produce light as illustrated on the left side of this image. In Auger recombination, as illustrated on the right side of this image, the energy of the recombination is transferred to a third carrier, constituting a loss mechanism that limits the efficiency of the LEDs.

Related Abstract

Reporters and Editors

Journalists wishing to reproduce this image for news stories about related research should include the following image credit: Emmanouil Kioupakis, Chris G. Van de Walle, and Peter Allen, University of California, Santa Barbara.